The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s season opener between the Broncos and Titans at Empower Field at Mile High:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 20, Titans 16

Why should Broncos Country have the heebie jeebies when the beloved are the NFL’s biggest betting favorite in Week 1? Because the Broncos are the biggest betting favorite in Week 1. While I’m not yet on the Super Bowl-contender hype train, the Titans are bad enough it won’t matter.

Klee’s record last season: 13-5 overall

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 27, Titans 9

It’s not a must-win game in Week 1 for the Broncos, but this matchup is a chance to show the hype in Denver is real. The Denver defense makes Cam Ward’s day miserable with a couple picks and at least three sacks.

Schmaedeke’s record last season: 13-5 overall

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 27, Titans 10

The Broncos’ best strategy might be to sit back and wait for the Titans to make mistakes. With Tennessee’s bad offense turning it over and allowing foes to have good field position, the Titans last season were, amazingly, No. 2 in the NFL in total defense but No. 30 in points allowed. They now have rookie quarterback Cam Ward, but he could have his share of struggles on the road before a hostile crowd.

Tomasson’s record last season: 14-4 overall

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 34, Titans 10

If you’re in a survivor pool, don’t the Broncos have to be your pick in Week 1? Broncomania home-opener frenzy + nasty Denver D + rookie QB Cam Ward = no doubt about it. Am I right?

Kiszla’s record last season: 11-7 overall

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 17, Titans 3

The Broncos’ offense proves it is still a work in progress, especially with the run game adapting to more outside zone concepts. That won’t matter because the defense will turn Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward’s debut into a complete nightmare with multiple sacks and several turnovers.

Fredrickson’s record last season: 13-5 overall